Before You Get Started

Your public library is a member of statewide consortium where you'll find thousands of audiobooks and eBooks to borrow.

• This service can be used from home or anywhere you have access to the Internet. 
• There are never any late fees. 

How This Service Works

WMA Audiobooks:

• You'll need to install the OverDrive Media Console for Windows (not Window 8) on your Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8 computer in order to download a WMA audiobook. 
• WMA audiobooks cannot be downloaded and used on a Mac computer or directly downloaded to a OMC mobile app. 
• You will also need to perform a Windows Media Player Security Upgrade on your Windows computer before having the right to download the WMA audiobook. 
• WMA audiobooks can be transferred to a WMA-compatible player.
• WMA audiobooks can be downloaded to the OverDrive Media Console for Windows and transferred (with the assistance of iTunes) to an iPod/iPhone/iPad. 
• WMA audiobooks circulate for 7 or 14 days. The default lending period can be changed in your account settings. 
• WMA audiobooks can never be returned to the collection early. 
• Check out the Audiobooks for Windows handout. 

MP3 Audiobooks

• MP3 audiobooks can be downloaded to a Windows or Mac computer and transferred to a wide range of audio players. 
• MP3 audiobooks can also be downloaded directly to the OverDrive Media Console app for mobile devices. 
• MP3 audiobooks can be returned to the collection early.
• MP3 audiobooks circulate for 7 or 14 days. The default lending period can be changed in your account settings. 
• Check out the Audiobooks for Windows or MP3 Audiobooks for Mac handouts. 

Adobe EPUB eBooks:

• Adobe EPUB ebooks are digital versions of printed books that can be read on a variety of electronic reading devices like the Nook, Kobo, iPad, and many different types of phones. 
• The Adobe EPUB format has Adobe digital rights management (DRM).
• The EPUB eBooks can be downloaded and read on a PC or a Mac with Adobe Digital Editions.
• Both PC and Mac users must download Adobe Digital Editions and authenticate their computers with an Adobe ID.
• The Adobe ID used to authenticate the computer must be the same ID used to authenticate all mobile reading devices.
• EPUB eBooks can be downloaded directly to many devices with the use of the mobile Web site and the OverDrive Media Console mobile app for iOS or Android.
• EPUB titles circulate for 7 or 14 days and can be returned early through the OverDrive Media Console mobile app or Adobe Digital Editions (for PC or Mac).
• Check out the EPUB eBook Handout for Nook Simple Touch Users or the EPUB eBook Handout for iPad.

Open EPUB eBooks

• Open EPUB ebooks are digital versions of printed books that can be read on a variety of electronic reading devices like the Nook, Kobo, iPad, and many different types of phones. 
• The Open EPUB eBooks can be downloaded and read on a PC or a Mac with the use of Adobe Digital Editions or any other software that can open and manage the EPUB format.
• The Open EPUB eBooks have no DRM (Digital Rights Management).
• Open EPUB eBooks can be downloaded directly to many devices with the use of the mobile Web site and the OverDrive Media Console mobile app for iOS or Android.
• Open EPUB titles circulate for 7 or 14 days and cannot be returned early.
• Check out the Open EPUB eBook instructions. 

Kindle Books

• Kindle Books are digital versions of printed books that can be read on the Kindle device and Kindle apps on various smart phones like the iPhone, Android phones, etc.
• Most, but not all, of the eBooks in our collection are compatible with Kindles.
• The Kindle Books must be used with a Kindle device or app. They cannot be transferred to a reader that uses the EPUB format (like the Nook, Kobo, Sony Reader, etc.).
• The Kindle Books circulate for 7 or 14 days and can be returned early to the collection through the user’s “Manage My Kindle” page.
• Check out the Kindle Book handout or the Kindle Books for iPad handout.

OverDrive READ

• OverDrive READ is a browser-based format that allows you to read the eBook in your desktop or mobile web browser.
• An Adobe ID is not required.
• No other apps are required -- just a compatible web browser. 
• Not all web browsers work well with the OverDrive READ format. If the page doesn’t render well, stick with the Kindle Book or EPUB format.
• OverDrive READ eBooks can be returned early from the NHDB Site >> Account >> Bookshelf, unless another format (Kindle Book or EPUB) has been selected.
• Check out the iPad and Android instructions for using the OverDrive READ format.

Read more about audiobook and eBook formats and compatible devices.

NHDB Tips:

• Check out up to 3 items at a time.
• Place a hold on items that are checked out.
• When your hold is ready, you will be notified by email.
• Check out your reserved book within 48 hours. The 48-hour clock starts ticking when the email is sent from OverDrive.

New Hampshire Downloadable Books Site